Coronavirus lockdown is showing us unprecedented times. The definition of a normal lifestyle is blurred, and we are all doing the best we can. Irrespective of how crazy the times are, a mother’s responsibility and outlook rarely change. As moms, we are still trying the best to teach our kids and make learning fun. Last week, I shared the perfect list of arts and craft supplies, and this week I want to talk about books for toddlers and preschoolers. Books are my safe haven, and they never fail me if he is having a tough day. In the last three years, we have read numerous books. Today I am sharing 15 must-have books for Toddlers and Preschoolers based on my personal experience and Aurav’s choice.  

The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

One can never go wrong with every kid’s all-time favorite, The Hungry Caterpillar. The book is so much fun. It is the best way to teach your little one about days of the week, and the latest editions have wonderful dye-cut, which makes it more exciting. I bought this book almost one year back, and to date, it is one of Aurav’s favorites.

Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle 

Aurav is all about cars and trucks. He just loves it. I have lost the count of how many times I have read this book to Aurav, and he still shows the same excitement as if I am reading it for the first time. The book teaches kids about kindness and the different sounds that animals make. It is a fun book with a beautiful message.  

There’s Bear on My Chair by Ross Collins

I love illustrating this book in front of Aurav. A fun story with a sequel (starry eyes). Read and enact in front of your little one what happens what a little mouse is not able to get his chair back from the bear, who is sitting on it. This book is a must-have for toddlers and preschoolers; who doesn’t love a goofy book, because it is too much fun.

The Color Monster- A Pop-Up Books of Feeling by Anna Llenas 

This is a recent addition to our home library. Aurav is almost turning three, and he is becoming more expressive by the day. He has so many emotions but doesn’t know how to express, or what exactly he is feeling. I have had this book only for a week now. Still, I can see Aurav being able to identify his feelings and communicate them to me. This is a significant book for toddlers and preschoolers.

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch 

If only all the fairy tales were this cool! It is one of my favorite books because it kicks patriarchy’s ass, and shows the power of brain over brawn. It also teaches little ones that being a person of substance is more important than good looks. This is one lesson I want Aurav to learn from a very early age.

The Cat in The Hat by Dr. Seuss

I decided to add yet another classic to this list. I mean, how could I not? The Cat in a Hat is a must-have for every toddler and preschooler. Dr. Seuss is known to write invigorating stories, which are a fun way to learn in the simplest possible way. It is not just a must-have for toddlers and preschoolers, but early readers as well. The single-vowel vocabulary in Dr. Seuss’s books makes it perfect for early readers.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Billy Martin Jr. and John Archambault 

I am yet to find a better book to teach about alphabets to toddlers and preschoolers. The cool art, amusing story, and enjoyable story makes it a great way to introduce the little ones to alphabets. 

Pete the Cat Books by James Dean 

Pete the Cat Books by James Dean shows us there is a beauty in simplicity. Join Pete the Cat on his adventures, learn new fun things, and learn to see the positive side of life. These books are perfect and a must-have for toddlers, preschoolers, and early readers.

Llama llama Mad at Mama

Aurav turned two, and for a while, all hell broke loose. My sweet little boy, who used to love going for grocery shopping with me, would throw massive tantrums in the mall. One day he literally, rolled on the floor, and I had to carry him while he was kicking and screaming. That was the day I decided I have to figure out a better way. Enter this book, Llama Llama Mad at Mama. I have realized the books are a great way of teaching toddlers acceptable and good behavior. I love all “Llama Llama” books, but this one is my favorite.

Press Here (Interactive Books for Toddlers) by Herve Tullet 

Aurav loves interactive, pop-up, and books with different sound/other elements. This one is pretty cool, and I don’t want to spoil the surprise. All I can say is you will not regret going on a fun journey of the “yellow dot.”

All by Myself by Mercer Mayer

As parents, it is our responsibility to nurture our kids and encourage them to be independent. All by Myself by Mercer Mayer does precisely that. It encourages kids to do things on their own, and Aurav always mentions this book when he wears his shoe or eats his own food.

Hands are not for Hitting 

Toddlers and preschoolers love to push our buttons and how! Apart from stopping shopping mall tantrums, another behavioral problem we parents often come across is hitting. It can be hitting siblings or pets in the house, or parents, or sometimes themselves. I believe we have to teach our kids from a very early age that violence or hitting is unacceptable. The book beautifully demonstrates the same.

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae 

A beautiful story about friendship, following your dreams and fulfilling them. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae is yet another classic that is a must-have book for toddlers and preschoolers.  

Calm-Down Time by Elizabeth Verdick 

Our funny little crazy toddlers are so pure. Their emotions are raw and beautiful. Sometimes when Aurav is having an emotional meltdown and doesn’t know what to do, I let him ride his feelings out, then hold him and read this book. An excellent book that illustrates how to calm down in the simplest way.

I Spy – Animals 

I have a lot of animal books, but this one is Aurav’s favorite. Who doesn’t like a good game of I Spy? The guessing books keep the fun alive, and therefore, it has made it to my list of 15 must-have books for toddlers and preschoolers.

The Ultimate Book of Planet Earth by Anne-Sophie Baumann

I have a special place for pop-up books in my heart. Aurav is still too young to read or understand everything in this book. The Ultimate Book of Planet Earth by Anne-Sophie Baumann piques his curiosity, and he can spend easy 15 to 20 minutes exploring the book and asking me questions.

I became an ardent reader much later in my life, but I want Aurav to be one from an early age. We don’t do screen time while having our meals; instead, we read books. If he is not feeling well, we read books. If it is raining outside, we read. If I am too tired to run around, we read. Reading books is my go-to activity on any given day. Do let me know what do you think about these 15 must-have books for toddlers and preschoolers (age 2-4 years old.) Also, share some other great books, which you believe Aurav will like.

Mum Mum Ma…